Everyone wants to have a great smile which is why good oral hygiene is important! Having poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems in the future such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check ups and cleanings can prevent these problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.

1. Ten Great Dental Hygiene Tips

2. Proper Brushing
One of the easiest steps to do to help your teeth keep clean. When brushing your teeth, position the
bristles at an angle of 45 degrees near the gum line. Both the gum line and the tooth surface should be in
contact with the bristles. Brush the outer surfaces of the teeth using a back-and-forth, up-and-down
motion, making sure to be done gently in order to avoid bleeding. To clean the inside surfaces of the teeth
and gums, place the bristles at a 45-degree angle again and repeat the back-and-forth, up-and-down
motion. Lastly, brush the surfaces of your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria, which
might cause bad breath.

3. Flossing!
We know, it’s a chore and allot of
times forgetful after brushing if
rushing out the door or heading
to bed. However, flossing can
help you remove food particles
and other detrimental
substances that brushing
regularly cannot. Flossing allows
you to reach deep between your
teeth where the toothbrush
bristles cannot reach or even
mouthwash cannot wash away.
We recommend flossing at least
once a day.

4. Avoid Tobacco
This will be a big favor to your teeth. One, it will save you from oral cancer and
periodontal complications. Two, it will save you from the countless ill effects caused by
the agents used to mask the smell of tobacco. For example, if you smoke a cigarette, you
may use candies, tea or coffee to mask the smoky breath and odor. This doubles the
amount of damage caused.

5. Limit Sodas, Coffee and Alcohol
Although these beverages contain a
high level of phosphorous, which is a
necessary mineral for a healthy mouth,
too much phosphorous can deplete the
body’s level of calcium. This causes
dental hygiene problems such as tooth
decay and gum disease. Beverages
containing additives such as corn syrup
and food dye can make pearly white
teeth appear dull and discolored.
Therefore, it is best to choose
beverages like milk, which helps
strengthen teeth and build stronger
enamel, giving you a healthy, beautiful
smile and water which hydrates your
body longer than sugary drinks.

6. Consume Calcium and other Vitamins that are good
for the body
You need plenty of calcium for your teeth. It is essential for the teeth as well as your
bones. It is better to drink milk, fortified orange juice and to eat yogurt, broccoli, cheese,
and other dairy products. You can also take a calcium supplement, taking different doses
according to your age and necessity as per prescription. Calcium and Vitamin D are
necessary for maintaining the health of gums and teeth. Vitamin B complex is also
essential for the protection of gums and teeth from cracking and bleeding. Copper, zinc,
iodine, iron and potassium are also required for maintaining healthy dental hygiene.

7. Visit Your Dentist
You should visit your
dentist at least twice a
year to have a full
hygiene treatment
performed. Also at these
appointments, a
comprehensive exam is
taken with x-rays to help
detect and prevent future
dental treatments from
occurring.

8. Consume Calcium and other Vitamins that are good
for the body
Mouthwash is not particularly necessary and not all mouthwashes are useful.
Mouthwashes containing Listerine our chlorine dioxide are very helpful because
they help to kill and maintain the bacteria in your mouth. It can help maintain
good breath as well as help maintain strong teeth. Mouthwash cannot do all the
work but if your are already brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist and eating
well, mouthwash is the cherry on top that will make your dental health great.

9. Having a toothache or noticing other dental
symptoms
If you are having tooth
and jaw pain make an
appointment as soon as
possible. Your dentist
needs to diagnose the
underlying cause and
correct it before it turns
into a greater problem.

10. Look at the Big Picture
Everyone understands that you should take care of your teeth to avoid toothaches,
maintain your looks and keep dental bills at bay. Many people, however, don’t
understand how crucial oral health is to our total health picture. Tooth problems can lead
to diabetes, heart disease, systemic infections, an inability to eat or speak properly and
other maladies – some life-threatening. Crooked or crowded teeth can contribute to gum
disease that can eventually lead to tooth loss. Straight teeth are no longer just for

11. Clean your tongue
Clean the surface of your
tongue daily. By using a
professional tongue cleaner
you remove countless
bacteria that otherwise live,
particularly on the rougher
top surface of your tongue.
These can contribute to bad
breath (halitosis) and
negatively affect your dental
health.

12. Contact us
(212) 867-0345
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